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Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment (2nd Edition)

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A special issue of Atmosphere (ISSN 2073-4433). This special issue belongs to the section "Air Quality and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2024) | Viewed by 7237

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Christos Argyropoulos

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School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Egkomi 2404, Cyprus
Interests: health risk assessment; occupational health & safety; public health; air pollution; process safety
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Zoi Dorothea Pana

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Guest Editor

School of Medicine, European University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
Interests: epidemiology; infection control and prevention; health technology assessment
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Dr. Changqing Lin

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Guest Editor

Division of Environment and Sustainability, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
Interests: remote sensing; aerosols; air pollutions; public health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is a follow-up to the first Special Issue entitled “Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment” (https://mdpi.longhoe.net/journal/atmosphere/special_issues/4SV33032J5) published in Atmosphere in 2023.

This Special Issue aims to provide recent advances in the field of “Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment”. Air pollution exposure, including ambient air pollution and household air pollution, has been associated with several adverse health effects, such as heart diseases, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia and lung cancer. The path from exposure to health impact follows several steps: exposure concentration → internal dose → sub-clinical effects → early effects → adverse effects. Different types of studies, e.g., epidemiological, have been conducted in an effort to investigate the relationship between exposure and health impact. Mathematical models, sampling technologies, analysis methods, and remote sensing are used to perform exposure estimation. Individual mobile devices are used to acquire personal activity and location data. Additionally, biomarker data, including biomarkers of exposure, effect, and susceptibility, are collected and analyzed to further elucidate the relationship between exposure and disease. Recently, the concept of the exposome has been introduced in exposure science; it can be defined as the measure of all the exposures of an individual in their lifetime and how those exposures relate to health. Exposomics (the study of the exposome) as well as genomics, metabonomics, lipidomics, transcriptomics and proteomics are being developed to better understand exposure–disease causation, as well as disease progress and mechanisms. The main goal of the study of exposure and health impact is to prevent disease through effective mitigation measures, such as the usage of clean energy, air pollutant emission regulation, and adequate transport networks of rapid transit combined with walking and cycling. This Special Issue aims to showcase recent scientific and technological advances in exposure estimation through geographic information technologies, biomonitoring for internal exposure and/or effects, exposure model development, causation identification between exposure and health impacts, and mitigation measures for exposure reduction.

Original results from field and laboratory measurements, observational studies, models, and review papers related to air pollution exposure and health impact assessment are all welcome contributions.

Dr. Christos Argyropoulos
Dr. Zoi Dorothea Pana
Dr. Changqing Lin
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at mdpi.longhoe.net by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Atmosphere is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

air pollutant
air quality standards
environmental exposure assessment
biomarker
exposome
remote sensing
susceptibility
dose–response relationship
model development
sampling and analysis method
respiratory and cardiovascular diseases
public health interventions
health impact modelling
health effects

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 3116 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition of PM_2.5-0.3 and PM_0.3 Collected in Southern Lebanon and Assessment of Their Toxicity in BEAS-2B Cells

by Ghidaa Badran, Malak Chwaikani, Anthony Verdin, Imane Abbas, Ophélie Simonin, Fabrice Cazier, Mohamad Roumie, Dominique Courcot, Jean-Marc Lo Guidice, Frédéric Ledoux and Guillaume Garçon

Atmosphere 2024, 15(7), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15070811 (registering DOI) - 6 Jul 2024

Viewed by 290

Abstract

Fine particles (PM_2.5) have generally been reported as the major contributor to the adverse health effects of air pollution. Lebanon is characterized by a high density of transport, the production of electricity by generators, and a problem of uncontrolled incineration of household waste. For the purpose of this paper, the physico-chemical properties of fine (PM_2.5-0.3) and quasi-ultrafine (PM_0.3) particulate matter sampled in Southern Lebanon, were studied. Then, an evaluation and comparison of the toxicity of the different extracted fractions from PM (i.e., native PM_2.5-0.3 vs. organic extractable matter fraction (OEM_2.5-0.3), and non-extractable matter fraction (NEM_2.5-0.3)) was performed. Also, an examination of the toxicity of PM_0.3 was conducted indirectly through the evaluation of the OEM_0.3 harmfulness. The physico-chemical analysis showed that PM_0.3 was much more concentrated than PM_2.5-0.3 in organic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (28-fold) and their nitrated (N-PAHs, 14-fold) and oxygenated (O-PAHs, 10-fold) derivatives. Normal human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were exposed to PM_2.5-0.3, its derived fractions (i.e., OEM_2.5-0.3 and NEM_2.5-0.3), and OEM_0.3 before evaluating the global cytotoxicity, metabolic activation of organic compounds, genotoxicity, and inflammatory response. Different responses were observed depending on the considered fraction of particles. The global cytotoxicity showed a pronounced response related to ATP and LDH activities after exposure to the quasi-ultrafine organic extractable matter fraction (OEM_0.3). There was no significant induction of the AhR cell-signaling pathway by NEM_2.5-0.3. Despite the apparent difference in the kinetics of induction of the toxicological endpoints under study, OEM_0.3 provoked a higher overall cytotoxicity and genotoxicity than OEM_2.5-0.3 and total PM_2.5-0.3. Taken together, these results clearly showed that the finest particles are more damaging to BEAS-2B cells than PM_2.5-0.3 because they are richer in organic compounds, thereby inducing more remarkable toxic effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment (2nd Edition))

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19 pages, 4866 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Fluxes and Ecological and Health Risks of Toxic Trace Elements in Atmospheric Deposition from the Baicheng-Songyuan Area, Jilin Province, Northeast China

by Yinghong Liu, Wen Gao and Sheli Chai

Atmosphere 2024, 15(7), 744; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15070744 - 21 Jun 2024

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Abstract

A total of 56 atmospheric deposition samples were collected on a yearly basis from the Baicheng-Songyuan areas, Jilin Province, Northeast China. Each sample was subdivided into wet (soluble) and dry (insoluble) fractions, and the concentrations of toxic trace elements including As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn in both fractions were analyzed. The bulk fluxes and ecological and human health risk of these toxic trace elements in atmospheric deposition were evaluated. The bulk deposition fluxes of toxic trace elements decreased in the order of Mn > Zn > Cr > Pb > Cu > Ni > As > Co >Mo > Cd > Se > Hg. The fluxes of toxic trace elements in dry fraction accounted for 74.7–99.9% of their bulk deposition fluxes, indicating that the atmospheric deposition of toxic trace elements in the study area is predominantly dry atmospheric deposition. The mean values of the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor showed moderately heavy contamination with Cd via dry atmospheric deposition, but no contamination from other toxic trace elements; Cd and Hg in dry atmospheric deposition were in the moderate to considerable ecological risk levels, while other trace elements were at low ecological risk levels. The health risk assessment showed that the effects of toxic trace elements in dry atmospheric deposition via three exposure pathways were in the order of ingestion > inhalation > dermal contact for adults and children. The mean values of hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) of toxic trace elements via three pathways were less than one, indicating that their non-carcinogenic risks in dry atmospheric deposition may be low or negligible for adults and children. The mean values of carcinogenic risk (CR) and total carcinogenic risk (TCR) of As and Cr via the three pathways for adults and children were between 10⁻⁶ and 10⁻⁴, indicating that the carcinogenic risk levels of As and Cr were tolerable or acceptable, and the mean TCR value of Cd through the three pathways for adult and children was less than 10⁻⁶, implying that the carcinogenic risk level of Cd was negligible. Mn, Ni, Cr, and Co in dry atmospheric deposition were mainly contributed from the crustal sources, while As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Mo, Pb, Se, and Zn in dry atmospheric deposition were derived from both crustal and anthropogenic sources. The results obtained in this study advocate the necessity for monitoring atmospheric deposition in some rural areas, and also provide a scientific basis for controlling contamination posed by toxic trace elements in dry atmospheric deposition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment (2nd Edition))

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10 pages, 3241 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Assessing the Influence of Vehicular Traffic-Associated Atmospheric Pollutants on Pulmonary Function Using Spirometry and Impulse Oscillometry in Healthy Participants: Insights from Bogotá, 2020–2021

by Julia Edith Almentero, Andrea Rico Hernández, Hanna Soto, Andrés García, Yesith Guillermo Toloza-Pérez and Jeadran N. Malagón-Rojas

Atmosphere 2024, 15(6), 688; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15060688 - 4 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Air pollution, particularly from particulate matter (PM_2.5) and black carbon (eBC), has been implicated in airway pathologies. This study aims to assess the relationship between exposure to these pollutants and respiratory function in various populations, including healthy individuals, while seeking an accurate assessment method. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bogotá, evaluating respiratory function in the users of bicycles, minivans, and buses through spirometry and impulse oscillometry. Measurements were taken along two main avenues, assessing the PM_2.5 and eBC concentrations. The results reveal higher pollutant levels on AVE KR 9, correlating with changes in oscillometry values post-travel. Cyclists exhibited differing pre- and post-travel values compared to bus and minivan users, suggesting aerobic exercise mitigates pollutant impacts. However, no statistically significant spirometry or impulse oscillometry variations were observed among routes or modes. Public transport and minivan users showed greater PM_2.5 and eBC exposure, yet no significant changes associated with environmental contaminants were found in respiratory function values. These findings underscore the importance of further research on pollutant effects and respiratory health in urban environments, particularly concerning different transport modes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment (2nd Edition))

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12 pages, 4232 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Exposure Assessment of PM_2.5 Concentration Using a Sensor-Based Air Monitoring System

by Jihun Shin, Jaemin Woo, Youngtae Choe, Gihong Min, Dongjun Kim, Daehwan Kim, Sanghoon Lee and Wonho Yang

Atmosphere 2024, 15(6), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15060664 - 31 May 2024

Viewed by 239

Abstract

Sensor-based air monitoring instruments (SAMIs) can provide high-resolution air quality data by offering a detailed map** of areas that air quality monitoring stations (AQMSs) cannot reach. This enhances the precision of estimating PM_2.5 concentration levels for areas that have not been directly measured, thereby enabling an accurate assessment of exposure. The study period was from 30 September to 2 October 2019 in the Guro-gu district, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Four models were applied to assess the suitability of the SAMIs and visualize the temporal and spatial distribution of PM_2.5. Assuming that the PM_2.5 concentrations measured at a SAMI located in the center of the Guro-gu district represent the true values, the PM_2.5 concentrations estimated using QGIS spatial interpolation techniques were compared. The SAMIs were used at seven points (S₁–S₇) according to the distance. Models 3 and 4 accurately estimated the unmeasured points with higher coefficients of determination (R²) than the other models. As the distance from the AQMS increased from S₁ to S₇, the R² between the observed and estimated values decreased from 0.89 to 0.29, respectively. The auxiliary installation of SAMIs could resolve regional concentration imbalances, allowing for the accurate estimation of pollutant concentrations and improved risk assessment for the population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment (2nd Edition))

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18 pages, 7240 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence Distribution of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in the City of Osorno (Chile) in 2018, and Its Association with Fine Particulate Matter PM_2.5 Air Pollution

by Ricardo Fernández, Romina Peña, Jaime Bravo-Alvarado, Kevin R. Maisey, Edison P. Reyes, Daniel Ruiz-Plaza De Los Reyes and Rodrigo Márquez-Reyes

Atmosphere 2024, 15(4), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15040482 - 13 Apr 2024

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Abstract

Outdoor air pollution and biomass smoke exposure are related to the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Since Osorno, Chile, is saturated with fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), the aim of this work is to determine the prevalence distribution of COPD patients in the Primary Health Care (PHC) system in the city of Osorno, and its relationship with PM_2.5. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on COPD patients enrolled in the six PHC centers (PHCCs) of the city to assess the adjusted prevalence (population over 40 years). Gender- and territory-associated odds ratios (ORs) were also determined. In addition, an urban analysis of the distribution of PM_2.5 and an exploratory analysis of the spatial behavior of enrolled COPD patients through featured binning were carried out. In 2018, the city of Osorno had 809 enrolled COPD patients in the PHC system (55.1% female), with a 1.3% age-adjusted prevalence (inhabitants over 40 years old), which was 11.7% after underdiagnosis correction. The COPD patients were mainly between 70 and 79 years old (34.3%). The urban area under the administration of the PHCC Rahue Alto (PHCC-RA) had a higher OR (1.98 [1.73–2.26]) compared to the situation of the city. Also, air pollution (PM_2.5) was the highest in the PHCC-RA area, which could account for the observed prevalence. The number of COPD patients in this area is the highest in the commune, which increases the risk of complications derived from the disease and air pollution. Thus, territories with the highest COPD prevalence have the largest OR, which could complicate patients’ condition due to the high levels of outdoor air pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment (2nd Edition))

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11 pages, 1446 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk Estimation of Heavy Metals Associated with PM_2.5 in the Urban Area of Cuernavaca, México

by Alhelí Brito-Hernández, Hugo Saldarriaga-Noreña, Mauricio Rosales-Rivera, Maria-Luisa García-Betancourt, Mario Alfonso Murillo-Tovar, Mariana Romero-Aguilar, Violeta Mugica-Alvarez, José de Jesús Díaz-Torres and José de Jesús Figueroa-Lara

Atmosphere 2024, 15(4), 409; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15040409 - 26 Mar 2024

Viewed by 956

Abstract

The city of Cuernavaca has experienced a significant deterioration in air quality in recent years. Despite this situation, few studies in the region have constantly monitored this problem. The objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of heavy metals in PM_2.5 in three representative sites of the city and estimate the risks posed to human health and the environment. The results revealed concentrations in the following order of abundance: Fe > Al > Mg > Zn > As > Ni > V > Pb > Mn. The EF indicated that As comes mainly from anthropogenic emissions; Zn, V, Pb, and Ni come from natural and anthropogenic sources; and Mn, Fe and Al have a natural origin derived from the soil. The Igeo, As, Pb and Zn were greater than five, followed by V and Ni, whose values ranged between two and three. The ecological RI was far greater than 600 in all cases. The HQ revealed that all values were below one, indicating that the health risk posed by exposure to ambient air is below that established by the USEPA. The Ni ILCR values for adults were 1.03 × 10⁻⁵, followed by 2.9 × 10⁻⁶ and 1.6 × 10⁻⁷ for Pb and As, respectively. For children, the values were in the following order: Pb (1.2 × 10⁻⁶), Ni (4.8 × 10⁻⁶) and As (7.5 × 10⁻⁶). These findings suggest that Cuernavaca’s air has moderate to heavy contamination levels, which must be taken into account by environmental authorities so that measurements can be taken to help reverse this situation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment (2nd Edition))

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Review

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28 pages, 13624 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

State-of-the-Art Low-Cost Air Quality Sensors, Assemblies, Calibration and Evaluation for Respiration-Associated Diseases: A Systematic Review

by Hasan Tariq, Farid Touati, Damiano Crescini and Adel Ben Mnaouer

Atmosphere 2024, 15(4), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15040471 - 11 Apr 2024

Viewed by 3514

Abstract

Indoor air quality and respiratory health have always been an area of prime interest across the globe. The significance of low-cost air quality sensing and indoor public health practices spiked during the pandemic when indoor air pollution became a threat to living beings, especially human beings. Problem Definition: Indoor respiration-associated diseases are hard to diagnose if they are due to indoor environmental conditions. A major challenge was observed in establishing a baseline between indoor air quality sensors and associated respiratory diseases. Methods: In this work, 10,000+ articles from top literature databases were reviewed using six bibliometric analysis methods (Lorenz Curve of Citations, Hirch’s H-Index, Kosmulski’s H2-Index, Harzing’s Hl-Norm-Index, Sidoropolous’s HC-Index, and Schrieber’s HM-index) to formulate indoor air quality sensor and disease correlation publication rubrics to critically review 482 articles. Results: A set of 152 articles was found based on systematic review parameters in six bibliometric indices for publications that used WHO, NIH, US EPA, CDC, and FDA-defined principles. Five major respiratory diseases were found to be causing major death toll (up to 32%) due to five key pollutants, measured by 30+ low-cost sensors and further optimized by seven calibration systems for seven practical parameters tailored to respiratory disease baselines evaluated through 10 cost parameters. Impact: This review was conducted to assist end-users, public health facilities, state agencies, researchers, scientists, and air quality protection agencies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment (2nd Edition))

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